A Warrior's Quilt of Personal Military History is not your typical history book. Brigadier General Albin F. Irzyk, USA (Ret.) writes as a participant of history in action, vividly delivering personal accounts of some of the most significant, often overlooked events in military history.

These bold reflections on a lifelong career of military service take the reader through the heat of war and into the mindset of a military leader. Through these pages you will be taken into the heart of the 4th Armored Division, invited into the merciless gates of Ohrdruf (the first concentration camp to be liberated by the Allies), survive a harrowing embassy attack in Saigon, gain insight into great, influential leaders like Maj. Gen. John S. Wood and the legendary Gen. George S. Patton, and experience a 360-degree perspective of combat from the boots of an American Hero.

My first exposure and awareness of war was as a youth in patriotic New England. On the important holidays 4th of July, Memorial Day, Armistice Day I watched spellbound as Veterans (Grand Army of the Republic, many from WWI) marched very proudly in the parades. The spectators watched the Veterans with great admiration, respect, and even reverence. Little did I know then that I, myself, would one day not only become a Veteran, but that service to my country would be my life s work. Because of that I would be deeply involved in my country s critical wars, and I would engage in one of life s greatest endeavors commanding American troops in combat.

During my long period of service, as time and events permitted, I wrote articles about events and individuals, which I deemed significant, which I wanted On the Record and important, as I believed them to be, and could easily escape the attention of historians. And that is exactly what has happened.